2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Rockaway, NJ - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Rockaway.
You'll learn about:
- Local & State Solar Incentives
- Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2023 and beyond)
- Ways to optimize your solar investment
Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted Rockaway solar installers to see how much you can save.
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Rockaway?
Solar Energy Sales Tax Exemption
Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) Program
Small Net-Metered Non-Residential located on Rooftop, Carport, Canopy and Floating Solar
Projects smaller than 1 MW (dc): $100/SREC-II, $120 for public entities
Projects 1 MW to 5 MW (dc): $90/SREC-II, $110 for public entities
Net Metered Non-Residential Ground Mount
Projects smaller than 1 MW (dc): $85/SREC-II, $105 for public entities
Projects 1 MW to 5 MW (dc): $80/SREC-II, $100 for public entities
Community Solar LMI: $90/SREC-II
Community Solar Non-LMI: $70/SREC-II
Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) Registration Program
In June 2016, SREC traded at an average price of $229.90.
NJ Clean Energy- Residential New Construction Program
Single family homes: Ranges from $1,125 to - 24,250
Multi-single homes: Ranges from $1,125 to $18,188
Multifamily homes: Ranges from $625-$12,125
Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program
Single family : $2,000 to $4,000
Multi-family : $500-$1,500 per unit
Rebates for single family and multi-family should not exceed 50% of the cost of the measures used to calculate total estimated savings (TES)
See table below for details
Loans
Single-family: $5,000 (Tier II) or $10,000 (Tier III) 4.99% interest loans up to $15,000 (where utility 0% financing is unavailable)
COOLAdvantage Program
Ductless Mini Split A/C or Heat Pump: $500
Air Source Heat Pump: $300 (Tier 1), $500(Tier 2)
Geothermal Heat Pump: $500
NJ Clean Energy- WARMAdvantage Program (Electric and Gas)
Solar Hot Water Heater: $1,200
Heat Pump Water Heater: $500
Geothermal Heat Pump: $500
Air-Source or Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump: $300- $500
Residential Gas Customers (including propane):
Gas Furnace: $250- $500
Gas Boiler: $300
Gas Water Heater: $300
Solar Hot Water Heater: $1,200
Oil Heating Customers:
Oil Furnace: $250
Oil Boiler: $300
Combination Rebate
Boiler and Water Heater Combination Rebate: $700
Furnace and Water Heater Combination Rebate: $700- $950
New Jersey Renewable Energy Incentive Program (Sustainable Biopower)
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives encourage homeowners to switch their home over to renewable energy by providing incentives meant to lower the financial burden of solar panel installation and use. Different types of incentives, like cash back, discounts or monthly utility bill credits, may be available to you. Certain incentives may be provided via the state of New Jersey, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while others are federal. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:
- Tax Credits: Unlike tax deductions, tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government.
- Net Metering: Net metering factors in once your solar panels are up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Rockaway utility company, it will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your monthly utility bill. In some locations, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other areas you might make back a percentage of the value.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and other similar performance-based incentives are usually handled by your state government. Once your solar panel system meets a predetermined threshold (generally a small amount of energy production), you are eligible to receive SRECs that can be sold to your utility company or other buyers. The money you receive from the sale is generally considered part of your taxable income.
- Tax Exemptions: Your solar panels might qualify for exemptions on both sales and property tax. Sales tax exemptions come into effect at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions let you exclude the value added by your solar panels when calculating property taxes on your home.
- Rebates: Rebates, or cash back after a purchase, are normally given before any solar tax credits are calculated. Rebates might be offered by your local utility company, by your state or by your county.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Federal Solar Incentives
When you think about solar incentives, you likely think of federal incentives first. The solar incentive that you're most likely to have heard of is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a credit on your taxes equal to a certain percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC can be applied to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 and lets you deduct from your taxes a percentage of the total cost of solar panels, accessories, labor and equipment. You can receive this credit for a solar panel system installed on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. Originally, you could claim 30% of the total cost, although depending on when the project was completed, your credit may range from 26-30%. There is no maximum claim amount.
Wondering how the ITC applies to your specific situation? Contact your local Rockaway solar panel installer to get more information.
The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, expanded and extended the ITC (as well as retitling it the Clean Energy Credit). The Clean Energy Credit lasts until 2035. Any solar installation project that is completed between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2032 may qualify for a 30% tax credit. This amount will then decrease slightly each year until the end of the current program. The expansion also makes it easier to get credit for energy storage systems, starting in 2023.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. To understand how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you, reach out to your local Rockaway solar installers.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives are often also provided at the state and local level. Like with federal incentives, these can include tax credits, rebates and more. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others are available for a limited time. These incentives might be provided by your county or municipality, or by the New Jersey government.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Rockaway
You can qualify for solar incentives from the New Jersey government and the federal government, as well as from your local utility company. The increased availability of solar initiatives in the past 15 years has helped greatly increase nationwide adoption of solar energy. Contact your local solar panel installer today to find out more information and to save as much money as possible on solar panels for your Rockaway home.
EcoWatch's Rockaway, NJ Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I learn if I qualify for different solar incentives?
It's a good idea to talk to your local Rockaway solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. In most cases, solar incentives apply to new solar panel systems installed on a property you own (in the U.S.) within a specified date range. Some incentives, such as those offered by the government of New Jersey, may have additional requirements.
How much will solar panels save me annually on my electric bill in Rockaway?
Generally, Rockaway homeowners who install solar panels save around $706.33 per year, or around $13,420.21 over 20 years after making the switch.
What are some environmental benefits of installing solar panels on my house?
You can lower your carbon footprint by 250 pounds of CO2 annually when you switch to solar panels. This adds up to roughly 5,000 pounds in 20 years. Solar is also a renewable energy source, meaning that switching your home over reduces the drain on our planet's resources.
I want to change out my appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any incentives I can apply for?
The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act introduces a number of incentives designed to reward homeowners who make eco-friendly upgrades. Some incentives include rebates and tax credits for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.
Can I use a combination of solar and another type of renewable energy to power my home?
You can power your home with multiple types of renewable energy, or a combination of renewable and non-renewable energy. Make sure you discuss your plan with your local Rockaway solar installation expert. They can help you with the plan for your project and give you an understanding of various incentives that you will or won't qualify for.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Solar incentive research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.